Dynamic current sharing dc-dc switching power supply

Abstract

A power supply in an embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of dc-dc switching power converters, each of which has its input isolated from its output. The power converters are arranged with their respective inputs being series connected and their respective outputs being parallel connected in an embodiment of the invention. In another embodiment of the inputs are parallel connected and the outputs series connected. Each power converter includes an input filter in each of said dc-dc switching power converters and an output filter. Each power converter includes a sensorless current mode control circuit controlling its switching duty ratio.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention concerns switching power supplies. A power supply based on the invention may be used, for example, as a voltage regulation module, to step down voltage from a high voltage power source to a circuit or device, e.g., a microprocessor, or to step up voltage from a low voltage source, e.g., a fuel cell, to a load. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Modern digital electronic circuits rely upon the delivery of significant currents to achieve required power for operation, as the trend has been toward lower voltages. This presents a dilemma in circuit design. Delivering high current loads, e.g., hundreds of amps, to printed circuit boards and integrated circuit devices can raise the cost of circuits. High current buses add significant expense to circuits and devices, but are generally necessary to deliver high current to printed circuit boards. [0003] Modern microprocessors highlight the trend toward delivery of high current loads. The Pentium® II...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This presents a dilemma in circuit design.

Delivering high current loads, e.g., hundreds of amps, to printed circuit boards and integrated circuit devices can raise the cost of circuits.

High current buses add significant expense to circuits and devices, but are generally necessary to deliver high current to printed circuit boards.

Success in this scheme requires current sharing among the parallel converters, as imperfect current sharing can result in the overloading of an individual converter.

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